Queers Teaching Clergy (ft. “Room For Us” podcast)

About this episode

This episode features an interview with Ann Russo discussing her experiences with faith and overcoming religious trauma.

Welcome back to a very special bonus episode of IFQT! Earlier this season, we heard from queer youth in Utah about what it’s like to navigate faith and queer identity within the LDS Mormon community. To continue that conversation, we’re sharing an episode from our friend Persis Abraham’s podcast Room For Us , featuring therapist and theologian Ann Russo. Ann incorporates a Master’s in Theology into her social work practice to help people heal from religious trauma. In this episode, she talks about her own experiences with faith, growing up in a queer household, attending an ex-gay conference, and AMR, the evidence-based approach she’s developed to overcome religious trauma.  This interview with Ann was originally published on July 17, 2025 by our friend Persis Abraham on her podcast, Room For Us . With permission from Persis, we are excited to share this impactful episode with our listeners. Hosted by Hannie Saba. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS: Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project.  ⏱️ TIME STAMPS: 0:48 Host, Hannie welcome 3:19 Persis introduces Ann…

People in this episode

Host: Hannie Saba

Guest: Ann Russo

Topics covered

• queer identity
• religious trauma
• mental health
• LDS community
• conversion therapy
• social work

Keywords

• queer youth
• faith
• LDS Mormon
• religious trauma
• mental health challenges
• conversion conference
• trauma informed care

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Room For Us, The Future Perfect Project

Places: Utah

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